Dear Parents,
What a wonderful first week! I just can't get over how fast this week went by! This week was all about team building, getting to know each other and establishing routines. We made name maps, participated in classroom scavenger hunts and friendship games and activities. We chatted about our hopes and dreams for this year and began to set some goals. We began our first math unit, and I introduced the children, through "Guided Discovery", to many items in our classroom that we will be using throughout the year.
Of course, we also made time for some extra outdoor play during which the kids learned some new cooperative games. The children worked very hard on all of our projects and I got a first glimpse into their "3rd grade work", and boy was I impressed.
As the kindergarten children arrived and had their first day, I asked my class if anyone would be willing (since they are the big kids after all) to go to the kindergarten classrooms and the pick up room at dismissal and help the teachers get the little ones to the proper bus lines, etc... Well, every hand in the room went up! I couldn't have been more proud of their willingness to pitch in. So, on Th. and Fri. my class dispersed just before dismissal and reported for duty. The K teachers couldn't have been more thankful. What a way to start the year!
Next week, we will continue with our team building activities, I will introduce more things in our classroom environment and together we will discuss and create classroom rules.
REMINDERS: Next Wed., Sept 10th is an Early Release Wednesday and next Th., Sept 11th is our field trip to the Gray Wildlife Park. Please be sure to send in the permission slip and $4.00 by Tuesday if you haven't already done so. If you would like to chaperone, please let me know by Tuesday as well.
Thank you so much for all of the classroom wish list supplies that have been sent in! It is much appreciated!
Well, I'm sure you'll have some tired children on your hands this weekend but hopefully they'll be ready to go again on Monday morning!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Fondly,
Jen